Birmingham City may have some tough calls in to make when it comes to their attacking options this summer.
As things stand, the centre forward duo of Scott Hogan and Lukas Jutkiewicz will both be out of contract at St Andrew’s at the end of this season.
That would likely leave Tony Mowbray‘s side needing to find more options to lead the line once the transfer window reopens.
One option Birmingham City could consider who they are already familiar with, is Jay Stansfield.
The 21-year-old is currently on loan at St Andrew’s from Premier League side Fulham, until the end of the campaign.
Now it appears as though there is a belief among some, that the forward could extend his stay in the Midlands, beyond this season.
Journalist discusses Jay Stansfield price tag
Stansfield has been an important player for Birmingham City this season, sitting top of the club’s scoring charts.
As a result, keeping him around could be a popular move around St Andrew’s, and an important one for their prospects going forward.
Given how things have gone so far, there is now a suggestion that Stansfield might be affordable for the club.
Speaking about the chances of Birmingham City signing the forward again in the summer on the Keep Right On podcast, Birmingham Mail journalist Alex Dicken said:
“I think it’s more realistic than most people think. He’s got eight Championship goals in 30-odd games now. I don’t think that’s an incredible return. Fulham aren’t going to look at that for example and think we’ve got a £10-15million player on our hands here. We can really hold out for a big fee this summer.
“I don’t think you’re talking that kind of fee for Stansfield. I think you’re talking – and I’m not familiar with this world, I don’t do transfer deals – but I don’t think you’re talking more than between £5-8million. I don’t think it’s going to be a huge transfer fee.
“With add-ons and bonuses and whatever you’re probably looking at a record transfer fee for Blues, which is only £6million, and I say only but that’s a lot of money to us but not to Championship clubs these days.”
There are currently just over three years remaining on Stansfield’s contract with Fulham. That secures his future at Craven Cottage until the end of the 2026/27 season.
As a result, the Premier League side are in a strong position to negotiate any offers that come in for the 21-year-old this summer.
Birmingham City must pursue fresh Jay Stansfield deal
If they do stay up this season, a fresh deal for Jay Stansfield must surely be on the agenda for Blues.
The striker has impressed a great deal since arriving at the club, under John Eustace and Wayne Rooney, as well as Mowbray.
His contributions are going to be vital if Birmingham City potentially avoiding relegation this season.
As a result, he could be a player who may be able to take the club forward in the 2024/25 campaign, if they bring him back to St Andrew’s.
Stansfield certainly looks like a player with the potential and ability to improve even further.
Given Mowbray’s own excellent track record for developing players, that would surely make Birmingham City an appealing destination for him come the summer.
Indeed, he is enjoying life at St Andrew’s, and is a popular player there, which also makes this a tempting move for him.
With all that in mind, there would surely be questions about the intent of Birmingham City, if they did not at least look into a new deal for Stansfield in the summer transfer window.